Sticking Together
When Saturday Comes|August 2017

Keep your eyes peeled and you will notice a new phenomenon of global football culture sweeping the streets.

Matt Johnson
Sticking Together

If I were to say “I’m fascinated by football stickers” I’m sure that most people would assume that I was talking about Panini. The enticing possibility of finally seeing Welsh internationals in Panini packets may have proved too difficult to resist last summer but that was only a passing infatuation. My fascination lies with the kind of football stickers that fans apply to street furniture.

You may have seen the unmistakable signs: a splodge of colour on a lamppost, a forlorn piece of faded paper on a drainpipe, the remnants of adhesive on the back of a road sign. The stickers are definitely there because I’ve lost count of the clubs I’ve seen represented.

I saw my first on a bus timetable at the Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet in 2006, referring to two Polish clubs as a “Band of Brothers”. Within a decade stickers appeared to be everywhere. A hobby with artistic pretensions came to mind so I began photographing them. I started a Tumblr site and briefly considered an aspirational biography: “Stickers on Street Furniture. Mixed Media. This continuous work takes the juxtaposition created when the radical self exists within commodified public space and projects it onto the mind of the viewer. The viewer is then forced to question 21st century assumptions.” I opted for: “The exciting world of stickers on street furniture!”

I scan as I walk so can spot the right sort of small coloured shape at 30 paces. It doesn’t matter whether I see an exquisitely designed creation or a weather-faded expression of club loyalty, they all count.

Bu hikaye When Saturday Comes dergisinin August 2017 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

Bu hikaye When Saturday Comes dergisinin August 2017 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

WHEN SATURDAY COMES DERGISINDEN DAHA FAZLA HIKAYETümünü görüntüle
Pirate Transmission
When Saturday Comes

Pirate Transmission

Broadcasters around the world are paying huge sums to screen football, but they will not be willing to invest if they cannot be protected.

time-read
3 dak  |
December 2019
Scandi Drama
When Saturday Comes

Scandi Drama

Years before it was screened live in the UK, England’s Football League was building a cult following abroad thanks to a visionary broadcaster.

time-read
5 dak  |
December 2019
Pot Of Gold
When Saturday Comes

Pot Of Gold

A rare meeting between two local rivals brought FA Cup fever – and a useful financial boost – to one corner of Hertfordshire

time-read
3 dak  |
December 2019
Digital Divide
When Saturday Comes

Digital Divide

From earnest post-match punditry to being used in actual players’ matchday preparations, the virtual game is becoming increasingly blurred with reality.

time-read
4 dak  |
December 2019
Haringey Ladder
When Saturday Comes

Haringey Ladder

The decision to walk off in the face of abuse has shone a national spotlight on a community club with a progressive approach

time-read
3 dak  |
December 2019
Bournemouth 0 Norwich City 0
When Saturday Comes

Bournemouth 0 Norwich City 0

Dean Court may have received a Premier League facelift but against today’s visitors the home team fail to live up to their status, although the low-quality draw they play out is still somehow reassuring.

time-read
8 dak  |
December 2019
Room With A View
When Saturday Comes

Room With A View

Hampden Park

time-read
3 dak  |
January 2018
Not In The Script
When Saturday Comes

Not In The Script

ARSENAL FILM

time-read
3 dak  |
January 2018
Out Of Place...
When Saturday Comes

Out Of Place...

After another unsuccessful qualifying attempt Martin O’Neill is under pressure, while a poor Republic of Ireland squad is only getting weaker

time-read
3 dak  |
January 2018
Uncomfortable Truth
When Saturday Comes

Uncomfortable Truth

At the end of April Sheffield United surprised many people by re-signing Ched Evans, who, following a retrial, has now been found not guilty of the rape charge for which he spent two-and-a-half years in prison.

time-read
3 dak  |
June 2017